drivetrain

CV Axle - Front

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front CV axle assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

⚠Axle nut is under very high tension. Loosen while vehicle is on the ground with wheels chocked and parking brake applied.

⚠Transmission fluid will drain from the axle opening. Have drain pan ready and top off fluid after installation.

ℹ️Do not allow the CV axle to hang by the inner joint during removal as this can damage the joint.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (ft-lb and Nm)Essential

Breaker barEssential

19mm socket (lug nuts)Essential

30mm or 32mm axle nut socketEssential

Pry bar or large flathead screwdriverEssential

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

Hammer

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Drain panEssential

Parts

CV axle assembly (driver or passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Axle nut × 1 — Use new nut each time
Cotter pin (if applicable) × 1 — Standard automotive cotter pin

Fluids

Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 0.5 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Chock rear wheels securely
With vehicle on ground, use breaker bar to loosen (but do not remove) axle nut while helper applies brake pedal or use a pry bar against lug studs
Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified lift points
Remove wheel and tire assembly
Place drain pan under transmission to catch any ATF spillage

Procedure

1
Remove axle nut
With vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the axle nut that was previously loosened. Remove and discard the nut as a new one must be used during reassembly.
Torque spec
Axle Nut232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
2
Disconnect lower ball joint
Locate the lower ball joint connection at the steering knuckle. Remove the ball joint pinch bolt or nut (depending on configuration). Use a ball joint separator tool to separate the lower control arm from the knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot during separation.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3
Remove inner CV joint from transmission
At the transmission side, you may encounter either a flanged connection with bolts or a splined shaft that pulls out. For bolted type: remove the CV bolts securing the inner joint to the intermediate shaft or transmission flange. For splined type: use a pry bar between the inner CV joint and transmission case to pop the axle out of the transmission. Insert the pry bar carefully to avoid damaging the transmission seal.
⚠Transmission fluid will spill when axle is removed. Keep drain pan positioned under the opening.
Torque spec
CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
4
Remove outer CV joint from wheel hub
Pull the steering knuckle outward to create clearance. The outer CV joint shaft should slide out of the wheel hub bearing. If stuck, tap gently on the end of the shaft with a brass hammer or use a puller. Do not strike the CV joint housing directly.
5
Remove CV axle assembly
With both ends disconnected, carefully remove the entire CV axle assembly from the vehicle. Support the axle during removal to prevent damage to CV joints or boots.
6
Prepare for installation
Clean the wheel hub splines with a wire brush. Inspect the transmission seal for damage and replace if necessary. Apply a thin coat of transmission fluid to the splines of the new CV axle. Verify the new axle matches the old axle in length and spline count.
7
Install inner CV joint
For splined type: carefully align the inner CV joint splines with the transmission opening and push firmly until the retaining clip seats with an audible click. Verify it is fully seated by attempting to pull it back out. For bolted type: align the inner CV joint flange with the intermediate shaft or transmission flange and hand-start all bolts before tightening.
Torque spec
CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
8
Install outer CV joint into hub
Guide the outer CV joint shaft through the wheel hub bearing. Push the knuckle back into position. The shaft should slide through completely. Install the new axle nut and hand-thread it onto the shaft, but do not tighten yet.
9
Reconnect lower ball joint
Position the lower control arm ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the pinch bolt or nut and torque to specification. Ensure the ball joint is fully seated before tightening.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10
Torque axle nut
With the ball joint reconnected, torque the axle nut to specification. Stake the nut using a punch and hammer to deform the nut collar into the groove on the axle shaft, or install a new cotter pin if equipped. This prevents the nut from loosening.
ℹ️Some models use a staked nut while others use a cotter pin. Follow the original configuration.
Torque spec
Axle Nut232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
11
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Install the wheel and tire assembly. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (weight not fully on wheel). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Always use a new axle nut - never reuse the old nut
Ensure the axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin installed to prevent loosening
Check transmission fluid level and top off with Kia SP-IV-M ATF as needed after installation

Verification

Check that axle nut is properly torqued and staked/pinned
Verify transmission fluid level is correct using dipstick (engine running, transmission in Park, at operating temperature)
Test drive vehicle and verify no clicking, popping, or vibration during turns or acceleration
Check for any transmission fluid leaks around the inner CV joint seal area
Verify smooth operation with no binding during full steering lock turns